How to Properly Clean Blinds
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Are you looking for a quick and easy way to clean your blinds? Forgo the special cleaning tools and use this cheap trick instead. Yes, you could buy a lambswool duster, but that is one more cleaning tool you'll need to store and clean after use. Instead, this cleaning hack uses items you have already in your closet and pantry—socks and vinegar.
You can use vinegar to clean blinds throughout your house, but it can be especially useful in the kitchen, where you may have grease buildup or greasy fingerprints on the blinds. Vinegar is an inexpensive way to clean away thin layers of grease, though it may not work as well on caked-on grease.
This damp method of cleaning will keep you from sending the dust from the blinds around your room. You also won't be spraying anything into the air.
How Often to Clean Blinds
Blinds accumulate dust and dirt and should be damp cleaned at least every six months to help keep them clean and dust-free. If they're located in a kitchen area or you have pets, you should clean them once a month to keep the blinds free from grease and dirt buildup. With regular cleaning, your blinds should last for eight years or more.
Before You Begin
While cider vinegar would also work, it may leave pigments behind. It's best to use white or cleaning vinegar for this chore.
If you have athletic socks made of acrylic or polyester, those are made with the microfiber often recommended for cleaning. But well-worn cotton socks or gloves will also work.
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What You'll Need
Equipment / Tools
- Old sock or fabric glove
Materials
- White vinegar
Instructions
How to Clean Blinds With Vinegar
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Pour Vinegar
Pour 1 cup of vinegar into a bowl. You can use it undiluted, or you can dilute it one to one with water.
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Prepare Sock or Glove
Place the old sock or glove on your hand, and dip the tip (or fingers) into the bowl of vinegar. Squeeze out any excess.
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Remove Dust
Run your fingers along both sides of the first slat to remove dust.
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Wear Gloves to Clean Mini Blinds
For mini blinds, wear gloves and see if you can clean more than one slat at a time through each finger. The spacing may not work for every size of hand and fingers, but if it does, you can save some time.
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Rinse and Repeat
Repeat on the remaining slats, stopping periodically to rinse the dust off of the sock or glove and to apply more vinegar. It's fine to run the glove under a water faucet; you won't significantly dilute the vinegar when you dip it into the bowl of vinegar.
The Spruce / Nelly Cuanalo
Benefits of Cleaning Blinds With Vinegar
- Dust adheres to the sock or glove rather than being released into the air.
- Vinegar is very inexpensive.
- You aren't using any harsh chemicals and vinegar is safe for most surfaces, including wood, plastic, and metal.
Warning
- As with any cleaner, avoid all contact with eyes and prolonged skin contact, and keep it out of the reach of children.
Tips to Keep Your Blinds Clean Longer
- Dust blinds weekly by vacuuming them using the vacuum brush attachment or a duster.
- Wipe the blinds with used dryer sheets to help lift dust off and repel any future dust.